Don't let 'the cones' block improvements to your customer experience

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

One metric for the restaurant industry to work on is the current 6-8 percent loyalty app downloads. It can be better.

Quaker Steak & Lube launches rewards platform via app

March 28, 2019

Quaker Steak & Lube has launched a guest rewards program via its mobile app. Revved-Up Rewards is easy to use and enables fans to earn loyalty points…

Pork & Mindy's launching two Chicago restaurants this year

March 28, 2019

Pork & Mindy’s is getting ready to open two stand-alone locations in Chicago this year.

Will legal marijuana create new restaurant opportunities?

Darren Seifer, executive director of NPD, explores how cannabis could become another way for restaurants to innovate.

Pieology plants 1st non-traditional store in Southern California

March 28, 2019

Pieology has opened its first non-traditional location at California State University, Fullerton.  The school's Auxiliary Service Corporation, which oversees…

EzCater acquires Monkey Group

March 27, 2019

EzCater, an online catering marketplace, has acquired Monkey Group, an enterprise software, training and insights company, and the developer of Monkey, a cloud…

Erbert & Gerbert jabs Jimmy John's for lack of app in latest campaign

March 27, 2019

Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop has launched a free mobile rewards app, giving customers more rewards when they order on-the-go. The app is designed with…

AI-powered robotic smoothie kiosk debuts on college campus

March 27, 2019

A robotic smoothie machine powered by artificial intelligence has been installed on a test basis at the University of San Francisco campus, according to…

Chicken Salad Chick prepping second Oklahoma location

March 27, 2019

Chicken Salad Chick will open its second Oklahoma store on April 2.

Pepper Lunch opens first NYC location

March 27, 2019

Pepper Lunch, a fast casual Japanese teppan brand, opened its first New York City location, at 243 West 54th Street, on March 21.

Is Fatburger rebranding as Skinnyburger?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 27, 2019

Fatburger is reportedly changing its name to Skinnyburger, according to a press release from the brand's parent company, FAT Brands.

ICX Association extends Elevate Awards deadline to April 15

March 27, 2019

The Interactive Customer Experience Association is extending the deadline for submissions for its annual Elevate Awards. The new deadline is midnight on…

Regaining control of last-mile delivery

In order to successfully regain control of delivery from third-party providers, restaurants must shift ownership of their mobile order flow back to themselves…

Blaze signs 3-unit deal for Pennsylvania

March 26, 2019

Blaze Pizza has signed a multi-unit deal to open stores throughout Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, where the state's capital is located in Harrisburg, a news…

Shake Shack's renovated Covent Garden opening this week

March 26, 2019

The renovated Shake Shack Covent Garden in London will celebrate its 'second' opening on Thursday, March 28.

Ginger Sushi + Poke Shop opening Charlotte location

March 26, 2019

Ginger Sushi + Poke Shop has signed a franchise deal with husband and wife team, Rajat and Anu Bedi, to open a Charlotte, North Carolina location.

Taylor Co introduces adult slushie freezer

March 26, 2019

The Taylor Company has introduced a new adult slushie product it said in a news release will allow operators restaurant operators to create customer drinks for…

Halal Guys, Wetzel's Pretzel partner with Kitchen United

March 25, 2019

Kitchen United, which offers off-premise kitchen centers for brands and franchises, now has two new partners as well as a new restaurant concept. Halal Guys…

Rocket Restaurants Group readying for international growth, hires on new leaders

March 25, 2019

Rocket Restaurants Group, an Ireland-based fast casual and diner group, has named Adrian Crean as managing director and James Walker as international…

Thai Express opening in North Carolina

March 25, 2019

Thai Express, a Canadian restaurant franchise that provides made-to-order Thai food cooked in front of customers, has signed a multi-unit development agreement…